Plans welcomed for pupils to visit battlefields

MLA Sydney Anderson

Published:22:43Tuesday 22 November 2016

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Upper Bann DUP MLA Sydney Anderson has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Communities Paul Givan MLA that he is working to bring forward a programme that would allow local schoolchildren to visit First World War battlefields.

Mr Anderson stated, “Last week Minister Givan confirmed that officials from his department have been collaborating with Department of Education officials over a number of weeks in an effort to develop a programme for pupils across Northern Ireland to visit the battlefields of the Great War.

“I am aware that in recent years a programme has operated in other parts of the UK which has allowed schoolchildren to visit the battlefields and as such I welcome the efforts to develop a similar programme here in Northern Ireland.”

He went onto say, “By visiting the battlefields of the First World War young people will be able to develop further knowledge on the war itself and also learn more about the bravery and ultimate sacrifice that was paid by so many.

“In the year that we have marked the centenary of the Battle of the Somme I believe it is poignant that our young people continue to learn about the Great War and I feel that if this scheme is launched in the future it will be of benefit in the educational experience of many.

“I will be following developments closely in the coming weeks as a further announcement on a scheme is expected in the near future.”